If fund buyers hope to achieve an 8% return, they might have to take substantial risk in today’s market. The 8% figure – 8.4%, to be precise – is what fund buyers were hopeful of achieving about a year ago when surveyed for a Natixis Investment Managers’ report.

Until recently, ethical investing was seen as an expensive fad, sacrificing returns for principles. However, the fad has not gone away. In fact, it seems to be gaining in validity and attracting increasing amounts of investment capital.

Julie Becker of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange talks about the role the exchange provider plays in bringing together various players in sustainable finance, including through a ‘window’ for socially responsible investment (SRI) funds.

Calls for environmental, social and governance criteria to be injected into smart beta portfolios have prompted a growing number of ESG factor-based indices. Lynn Strongin Dodds looks at their construction and hears how they generate enhanced returns and lower risk.

Alternative assets are set to rise but fragmentation is still a problem for the AIFMD, which is soon due for its second iteration. Managers need to rely on service providers more than ever, says Anja Grenner of Intertrust.

As China continues to open its financial sector to foreign investors and embed itself ever deeper into the global economy, now is the time to handpick the stocks and investment targets that foreign investors crave, says Jun Li, chief investment officer of Sagard China.

Roundtables & Panels

Jersey’s ability to innovate, its potential role as a post-Brexit bridge between the UK and the EU, and a significant increase in alternative assets were among the topics discussed by our panel. Chaired by Romil Patel in St Helier.

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Brexit debate

The Leaver, the Remainer

Watch the debate between the pro-Brexit Roger Bootle and pro-Remain Gina Miller which took place at the SGG Thought Leadership Series event in January. Also watch the panel that followed on the distribution of UK funds into the EU and much more!